Lionel Messi said it was “strange” to see Barcelona locked in a row over a company accused of criticising current and former players, including himself, on social media.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Tuesday the club had terminated its contract with PR company, I3 Ventures, who had been hired to improve the image of Bartomeu and the club’s board online.

According to a Spanish radio station, the company oversaw “dozens” of accounts attacking the likes of Messi, Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez, Pep Guardiola and Carles Puyol on Facebook and Twitter. Among the messages the report cited is one expressing anger at Messi for his delay in signing a new contract.

“The truth is that I find it strange that something like this happens,” Messi said in an interview by the Catalan newspaper, Mundo Deportivo. “But they also said that there would be evidence. We will have to wait to see if it is true. It seems a strange issue.”

Neymar angle

Messi says Neymar remains determined to return to the club and the Argentine wants him to turn them into an all-conquering force again, adding that he does not believe they are good enough at the moment to win the Champions League.

“He is very excited about returning, he has always shown that he regrets what happened,” the Argentine said.

“Neymar has always been a top level player. He is unpredictable, he takes players on and he scores lots of goals.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona have signed Denmark striker Martin Braithwaite from Leganes for $19.43 million after receiving permission from the league's organising body to acquire a player outside the transfer window.